How to Properly Tailor Your Pageant Gown!

 

 

            One of the most important aspects of pageantry is being able to comfortably walk in your evening gown. While many designers offer sizing that is made to measure, I have seen that many gowns still need a bit of tweaking before being able to be worn comfortably.

 

When to start alterations?

 

            I typically begin altering a gown 6 weeks prior to the event, in this time you can get an idea of hem length- depending on shoes, make any major adjustments like lowering the neckline, or take in the seams. After the initial fitting I would recommend 2 more within 2 weeks after, at this time you can have your tailor adjust to any changes your body undergoes.

 

 

 

What to bring during your fitting?

 

            Bring all of the proper under garments, as well as options that you will need for your gown. This includes: Shoes, jewelry and all undergarments. Bring bust cups just in case your tailor does not have them.

 

            I order these gel push up bust cups online, which I have used in all of my evening gowns, swimsuits, etc. http://www.wawak.com/products/product.cfm/pid/10134/Push-Up-Gel-Bra-Cup-Size-D-Black/

 

            My favorite shapewear I recommend to every single woman in the world is the Tulle Forming Body from Woolford. (http://www.wolfordshop.com/Shapewear/Tulle-Forming-String-Body/cp56537/si5906812/cl2/vt01/) While this does cost a pretty penny- I have seen it literally trim 2 inches off a client’s waist, and can really hold in your shape depending on the style of gown you pick.

 

Also, have someone that you trust with you during your alterations as a second eye.

 

Where to find a tailor?

 

            Tailoring can be an expensive service for my pageant budgets. While most dry-cleaners offer alterations, I would choose to use resources like www.theknot.com to find someone who is comfortable and specializes in bridal alterations.

 

 

Hemming 101

 

            A proper technique of hemming a traditional evening gown is to pin it to where it kisses the floor.  Your shoes should not show when you walk. (Unless your gown has a slit or high-low style). If your dress is made of tulle, a good tailor will also use a thread -ess overlock machine to trim the hem after cutting it to make sure it is perfect.

 

            Also, do not look down when your hem is being pinned, look straightforward with good posture, otherwise it will be marked too short. Always save any extra pieces cut from your gown just in case you run into any issues in the future and need the fabric.

Miss Santa Monica USA pageant

I made my own evening gown from double faced silk satin as well as about 50 yards of tulle. The tulle tied in the back into a giant bow. 

Miss Santa Monica USA

I will be competing this Sunday for the Miss Santa Monica USA 2015 title. After a lot of brainstorming I have come up with a few of my pageant related goals that I would want to accomplish within my year. 

A few of my goals include: 

- Hosting a charity drive for homeless women for beauty and hygiene products. 

- Be able to speak to various youth groups able following your dreams 

- Finally launch my clothing line and use my pageant sisters as models!

-Spread awareness and encourage people to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters, a program which I have recently joined

Regardless of the outcome of a pageant I think that competing has helped me personally to to take action of my own dreams and clarify what I want to do and the actions I need to take. 

I am so excited for my upcoming chaorty drive which will be held in the LA that I will post more about! 

Pageant Ready: 5 Things I Cut from my Diet and 5 Things I Added

CUTS:
1. Alcohol (Cocktail hour always leaves me extra hungry to the point where I will eat an entire hamburger or pizza by myself. No thank you! I've also noticed a difference in my energy levels!) 
2. Acne Medication
3. Latte's (I stick to black coffee with a splash of almond milk or soy creamer)
4. Salts, Sauces and almost anything processed (I've substituted Bragg's Liquid Aminos for soy sauce in my stir fry and instead of salad dressing)
5. Grains (I still eat the occasional rice cake or handful of guilt free popcorn for fiber) 

ADDS:
Vitamins and Supplements (In addition to my Arbonne skin clearing vitamins as well as Fiber supplements I take a shot of cold pressed Noni juice)
More Protein (this can come from anything like adding a small handful of almonds into my green smoothie, a protein shake at snack time or choosing more dishes with chicken breast).
Water (I drink about 4-6 bottles a day) 
Water bearing fruits and vegetables (melons, pears, etc.) 

How to pack on pageant day!

After competing in my 5th beauty pageant over the weekend I began thinking about my next one which is in less than two weeks. Interestingly enough I noticed how many girls were under prepared and were asking around for certain items. I personally believe that being over prepared just allows you to focus on yourself and getting yourself ready to be the best person you can be. 

The most common things girls didn't think to bring were: 

-Scissors (They don't have to be large but enough to clip any loose threads from your gown, as well as trim your eyelashes

-Cell Phone charger (yes your battery will drain after the 100th selfie! I recently got a MOPHIE, which is a cell phone case that is also a backup battery, LOVE)

-BUTT GLUE! I ordered mine off eBay, and was shocked that I was the only one who brought it to the pageant. I really don't mind sharing but after seeing 20 girls use my bottle of glue on their behinds I realized that I should have kept mine a secret! 

-Panty Liner for your swimsuit bottom (camel toe- enough said)

-Double sided tape (I prefer the Men's Grooming Tape brand, the strips are wider and stay longer then Hollywood tape)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BELL-HORN-IT-STAYS-ROLL-ON-BODY-ADHESIVE-2oz-BOTTLE-PAGEANT-DANCE-BUTT-GLUE-/281107677010?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item417352bf52

I typically always bring these key items:

-Mirror (Doesn't have to be full length but that bigger the better)

-Towels (I used mine to wipe my makeup brushes and body bronzer onto)

-Moist toilettes, baby wipes or makeup wipes 

-Sugary snacks, bottled water for after swimsuit walk (I cut water 24 hours before)

-Touch up nailpolish

Labeling 101

For this pageant I didn't get the chance to order my address label stickers that I had used at state that had my picture on them. I order from Vista Print and they come out to be under $10. Having your name and face on whatever item will really help when people start borrowing your things. 

Should you bring backup jewelry, clothes, etc?

I would not recommend bringing your entire closet or jewelry armoire- figure out what you will be wearing and finalize your choices- wrap your jewelry so that it does not get damaged and bring extra earring backs. Stick with bringing only for sure items. Often I have worn the same shoes for swim and evening gown, just to avoid confusion and having to relearn how to walk in a different style. If the pageant is a three day event and you are staying in a hotel room, then I would definitely bring multiples of everything. There will always be moment where you wish you would have brought something different or realize you forgot something. I've realized just to be relaxed and letting it go- nothing will ever be perfect so just have fun, smile and keep strutting.